Five Feet Apart book written by Rachael Lippincott with contributions from Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis, is more than just a young adult romance. It’s a story about love, distance, and the choices we make when time is precious. First published in November 2018, the novel quickly became a #1 New York Times Bestseller, resonating with readers around the world.
About the Author
Rachael Lippincott was born on December 5, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Bucks County. She studied pre-med before switching to English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2017. This change of direction set her on the path to becoming an author.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, their daughter, and their dog, Hank. While her exact height and net worth aren’t publicly disclosed, she’s known for her approachable personality and love for storytelling. She shares glimpses of her life on social media, where she has a warm connection with her readers.
The Premise
The novel centers on two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, who both have cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of the dangers of cross-infection, CF patients must stay at least six feet apart. For Stella and Will, this rule is life or death.
Stella is disciplined and determined to follow every medical rule, hoping for a lung transplant. Will is her opposite—rebellious, tired of hospitals, and eager to live life on his own terms. Their personalities clash at first, but soon, curiosity and attraction bridge the gap between them.
The Meaning Behind the Distance
The Five Feet Apart book title is more than a catchy phrase. The “five feet apart” concept is their quiet rebellion—taking back just one foot of closeness as an act of love and defiance. That single foot becomes symbolic of their desire for connection in a world that forces them apart.
It’s a small but powerful detail that makes the love story feel both intimate and heartbreaking. The danger of infection looms over every interaction, which makes even the smallest moments—like holding a pool cue together or brushing fingers—deeply emotional.
Character Depth
Stella Grant is methodical, tech-savvy, and organized. Her meticulous nature hides the grief of losing her sister, Abby, in an accident. Abby’s death shapes much of Stella’s drive and cautiousness.
Will Newman is artistic, charming, and restless. His particular strain of CF is resistant to treatment, which gives him a more fatalistic view of his future. His art becomes a way of capturing and preserving the fleeting beauty around him.
Through alternating points of view, readers gain insight into both characters’ fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities. This structure builds empathy and makes the story feel intimate.
Emotional Themes
The novel explores themes beyond romance:
- Mortality – Facing life-threatening illness at a young age.
- Resilience – Choosing to fight for moments of joy.
- Sacrifice – Loving someone enough to put their wellbeing first.
- Hope – Believing in the possibility of more time, even when the odds are slim.
It’s these themes that elevate the story beyond a typical teen love plot, giving it emotional weight that appeals to readers of all ages.
Writing Style
Lippincott’s prose is clean, heartfelt, and immersive. She balances medical realities with emotional storytelling, avoiding an overly clinical tone. The dialogue feels natural, and the hospital setting is described in a way that feels vivid without becoming overwhelming.
The pacing is brisk, with emotional highs and lows that keep readers engaged. Moments of lightness—like banter and teasing—are woven in between the heavier scenes, preventing the story from becoming relentlessly sad.
From Page to Screen
In 2019, Five Feet Apart book was adapted into a film starring Haley Lu Richardson as Stella and Cole Sprouse as Will, directed by Justin Baldoni. The movie captures the same emotional core as the book but condenses certain elements for pacing.
While the film is visually striking, many readers feel the book offers a richer understanding of Stella and Will’s inner worlds. The alternating perspectives and detailed backstories in the novel give more emotional context to their choices.
Public Response
Upon release, Five Feet Apart book received praise for its heartfelt storytelling and representation of cystic fibrosis. It spent over a year on the New York Times Bestseller list and sold more than a million copies. Readers called it “bittersweet,” “heart-wrenching,” and “impossible to forget.”
The story has also sparked conversations about CF awareness, encouraging many to learn more about the illness and the real people living with it.
Fun Facts About Rachael Lippincott
- She was inspired to switch from pre-med to writing after taking a youth literature class.
- She co-wrote She Gets the Girl (2022) with her wife, Alyson Derrick.
- She’s a fan of rom-coms and enjoys writing about love in all its forms.
- She has mentioned in interviews that she never expected her debut book to gain such massive success so quickly.
Why You Should Read It
If you enjoy emotional love stories like The Fault in Our Stars, this book will resonate deeply. It’s not just about illness—it’s about the human need for connection, the courage to love despite risk, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.
The balance between heartbreak and hope makes it a compelling, cathartic read. You’ll find yourself rooting for Stella and Will, even knowing their challenges, and thinking about them long after you close the book.
Final Thoughts
Five Feet Apart book is a poignant reminder that love is not always about proximity—it’s about presence, trust, and the moments we choose to share. Rachael Lippincott delivers a story that feels both fragile and strong, tender and fierce.
This is the kind of book that stays with you, not because of a grand, sweeping romance, but because of the small, meaningful gestures that say “I love you” when words can’t.
FAQs
1. Is Five Feet Apart based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional story. However, the medical details about cystic fibrosis were informed by real-life research, and the film adaptation consulted with CF activist Claire Wineland before her passing.
2. Who wrote Five Feet Apart?
The novel was written by Rachael Lippincott, adapted from a screenplay by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.
3. Is Five Feet Apart suitable for all ages?
It’s categorized as Young Adult fiction, recommended for teens and older readers due to themes of illness, romance, and grief.
4. How is the book different from the movie?
The book offers more internal thoughts and backstory for Stella and Will, while the movie focuses more on visual storytelling and condensed plot points.
5. Why is it called Five Feet Apart?
CF patients must stay six feet apart to avoid cross-infection. Stella and Will decide to reclaim one foot of that distance as an act of love and defiance.
